FEATURE | Why would Bradley Barcola be a smarter signing for Liverpool than Alexander Isak? | OneFootball

Liverpool are on the lookout this summer for another high-quality attacking addition despite already securing the additions of Hugo Ékitiké (23) and Florian Wirtz (22) to Arne Slot’s options. Two departures to the Dutchman’s options from last season have departed Anfield and with the Premier League champions looking to recruit another player to their star-studded lineup, there is one name on the lips of Liverpool fans – Alexander Isak (25).

Despite Isak being Premier League-proven and a prolific goal scorer, their long-standing interest in Bradley Barcola could present a smarter option for the Merseyside outfit.

Diaz’s replacement

Following the departure of Luis Diaz (28) to Bayern Munich, the English club looks short of options on the left wing. Cody Gakpo (26) is Slot’s only senior option to play on the left flank, and despite the impressive performances of Rio Ngumoha (16) in preseason, expecting the former Chelsea academy graduate to play the same number of minutes as the departing Colombian international would be a big ask at such a tender age.

Diaz was one of the Reds’ head coach’s most important players last season. After Mohamed Salah, the 28-year-old played the most minutes of any Liverpool attacker, and in multiple positions. Slot lacked trust in Darwin Nunez and often utilised Diaz through the middle. As a result, to replace the former Porto attacker’s versatility, a similar profile could be desired. Bradley Barcola fits that bill.

Although a natural left-winger, Barcola graduated from Lyon’s famed academy as a striker. Additionally, Luis Enrique trusted the France international forward to play on both flanks during PSG’s historic quadruple-winning season.  Given Isak’s tendency to play through the middle and the need to replace Diaz, Barcola could offer the versatility that Slot is looking for.

The Ékitiké conundrum

The Premier League champions have already spent £79m on a striker during the summer transfer window. Hugo Ékitiké was identified as the club’s top striker target after they saw their advances for Isak rebuffed at the first opportunity by Newcastle. After his impressive development in his 18 months at Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman is viewed as the kind of profile Slot can develop into his ideal striker.

The 23-year-old striker is a raw talent. He has impressive pace, strength and an intelligence to bring others around him into play. The latter is a key factor Slot looks for in his centre forwards, not someone who can just score goals but also facilitate for others and play a huge role in quick transitions.  In some respects, the former PSG striker is a very similar profile to the player that Newcastle signed from Real Sociedad when they secured the services of the Sweden International.

Given the fee spent to secure the Reims academy graduate’s services and his need for development, it would seem strange to stunt that with a ready-made striker who would be expected to start every game when he is fit and available. In contrast, signing a young attacker, who is one of the best in the world in his position, and addresses a squad need, would make more sense.

The financials

Alexander Isak would require a British-record fee this summer to prize him away from St. James’ Park. Liverpool have already broken the record with their acquisition of Wirtz for £116m. The Reds are seemingly prepared to do that again to secure Isak’s services, but a fee £35m north of what they paid for the German international playmaker would be demanded by Newcastle.

In comparison, Barcola could be a much more cost-effective investment. L’Équipe reports it would take a bid of €100m for Les Parisiens to consider selling the 22-year-old. Although the fee is still large, that would be £65m less than it would cost to prize Isak away from a divisional rival. Additionally, the Frenchman still has lots of developing to do.

Verdict

Foot Mercato reports that Liverpool are prioritising a move for Isak, and Barcola is viewed as a second choice should they fail in their pursuit of the Sweden international. Isak is undoubtedly a top striker, but with Ékitiké already signed, spending over £150m on another centre-forward makes little sense. Barcola, on the other hand, is also one of the world’s best in his position, fills the left-wing gap left by Diaz, offers tactical versatility, and is reportedly £65m cheaper. He potentially fits Slot’s system and long-term vision better.

GFFN | Liam Wraith